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Students and faculty earn top recognition for hard work at semester's end

The end of the academic year means it's time for faculty and students to reap some rewards from all the hard work they've sown over the past two semesters. From the Undergraduate Research Competition to Honors Conovcation, several received top recognition for their dedication.

HONORS CONVOCATION

Tiffany Hollis was named the Distinguished Professor of the year. She is an assistant professor of foundations, curriculum and instruction in the Spadoni College of Education.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH COMPETITION

More than 120 presenters submitted their work, illustrating the outstanding quality of student research at the University. Together, they illustrate the considerable research talents of our students and the wealth of experiential learning opportunities at Coastal Carolina University.

Presentations at the CCU Undergraduate Research Competition were judged by more than 80 faculty judges. Prizes were awarded for first ($150), second ($100), and third ($50) place in four award categories. 

Oral Presentations: Natural and Applied Sciences

1st Place: Alex Foster, "Modeling Protection Strategies Against Chikungunya Virus on Reunion Island" (Applied mathematics major, faculty mentor: Igor Erovenko)

2nd Place: Nicholas Coleman, "Association behavior between sand tiger sharks (Carcharias taurus) and round scad (Decapterus punctatus) may be mutually beneficial" (Marine science major, faculty mentor: Erin Burge)

3rd Place: Jeremy Evans and Hailey Wimmenauer, "Breaking Suicide and Depression (SAD) Inititive: Examining the Correlation between Screen Time and Mental Health" (Public health major, faculty mentor: Sharon Thompson)

Oral Presentations: Humanities and Fine Arts, Business and Education

1st Place: Brenna Wiinanen, "The Continuation of a Composition of an Unfinished Mozart Flute Concerto" (Music major, faculty mentor: Donald Sloan)

2nd Place: Dara Potts and Amelia Dobbs, "Popular Culture, Shakespeare, and Gender" (Theatre major, faculty mentor: Robin Russell)

3rd Place: Olivia Dimatteo, "Museum Semiotics" (Communication major, faculty mentor: Kyle Holody)

Poster Presentations: Physical and Biological Sciences

1st Place: Whitney Davis, "The Effects of Marine Natural Products on the Microenvironment of Pancreatic Cancer" (Biology and marine science major, research mentor: Esther Guzman)

2nd Place: Mary Akers and Alyssa Leclaire, "Ecosystem Engineers or Engineered by the Ecosystem?" (Marine science majors, faculty mentor: Juli Harding)

3rd Place: Lillian Rios-Brady, "Detection of Newly Synthesized Membrane Proteins in Isolated Squid Axoplasm from Loligo pealeii" (Marine science major, research mentor: Miguel Holmgren)

Poster Presentations: Health and Behavioral Sciences, Humanities and Education

1st Place: Nakkara Hess, Julie Emory and Shani Chernoff, "The Solar Impact: The Work of the Solar Ambassadors in Promoting Renewable Energy Sources" (Interdisciplinary studies majors, and history/intelligence and national security studies major, faculty mentor: Pamela Martin)

2nd Place: Tessa Taylor, "College Freshmen Behaviors and Perceptions about E-Cigarettes" (Public health major, faculty mentor: Elizabeth Carter)    

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT AND LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Sigma Sigma Sigma, Outstanding Community Service in Fraternity and Sorority Life

Climbing Club, Most Improved Student Organization

Shannon Stewart, Adviser of the Year

Phi Sigma Sigma, Outstanding Philanthropy in Fraternity and Sorority Life

Anaiya Moore, Rising Leader of the Year

Rose Holder, Community Service by an Individual

Chynna Jones, Unsung Hero of the Year

Pi Kappa Phi, Bell Tower Program of the Year

Help Save the Next Girl, Outstanding Philanthrophy by an Organization

Sierra Kotowicz, Student Organization President of the Year

Christopher Mathis, Greek Man of the Year

Mikayla Morris, Greek Woman of the Year

Ansha Wilds, Haven Hart Impact Award

Gamma Phi Beta, Chapter of the Year

Dylan Masiello, Chapter President 

Brooke Moen, Student Leader of the Year

OTHER HONORS

Deborah Breede, professor of communication, media and culture, was voted Faculty Member of the Year by student-athletes.

Kyle Holody, associate professor of communication, media and culture, was awarded the Edwards College Service Award.

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